Catherine of Siena: A Passionate Life

by Don Brophy

Against the backdrop of 14th-century Europe—a time of social turmoil, outbreaks of the bubonic plague, a catastrophic war that devastated the continent, and an overall transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance—this intelligent and comprehensive biography of an oftentimes irreverent, intense, and fiery woman offers an entry point into the life of Catherine of Siena. Deeply researched and based on the latest sources, this history recalls Saint Catherine—as she would later be called—as a champion of peace who cajoled and, at times, begged popes, monarchs, and ordinary citizens to do her will. Describing her sheer fortitude and personal magnetism, this accessible and absorbing account details the spiritual and political beliefs of Catherine of Siena as she attempted to restore order to a fractured Italian city-state system, campaigned Pope Gregory XI in Avignon to return the papacy to Rome, and tried to resolve the Western Schism of 1378—a challenge that proved to be her ultimate test. Perfect for historians and readers of any faith or none, this compelling exploration paints a human portrait of a great mystic and spiritual teacher, who was canonized in 1461 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Religion, Theology, Spirituality

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book enough to say that it deserves 4 stars for the author's ability to capture a very complex political, cultural, and religious contexts by which we can understand Catherine's extraordinary life. The beauty of Dan Brophy's biography of Catherine is precisely this multidimensional look, one that would, I think, satisfy readers of all sorts who want to know more about a woman who had such a strong influence on the people of her time, when it was certainly unusual, though not impossible, for a woman to have such influence. And what a great charisma she must have had! Everyone that came to know her seems to have been swept up by her intensity.

From a very early age, she followed the calling that she had from Christ and was faithful to it to the end. That she maintained that calling to act to strengthen the church despite the terrible rivalries of those in power in the city states, especially of her beloved Siena and powerful Florence, and in the church's operations when the papacy was first in Avignon and then back again to Rome, is a testament to her tremendous will and her belief that she had to act to help those in power to unify and reform institutions riddled with corruption. Brophy's life of Catherine makes one feel that it is miraculous that the church survived such times, but perhaps it survives precisely because unknown saints and known saints like Catherine rebuild the church in every age. Catherine continues to exert her influence on the Catholic church by her model of a life of both selfless action and deep contemplation.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written clearly and concisely; the author's language puts you into the world of Catherine of Siena.

This was, clearly, a remarkable woman who lived only 33 years (about half of it in her religious role) and who was and is still revered in the Roman Catholic Church.

She lived at a time of great upheaval in Italy when city-states did little more than battle each other. In addition, the papacy was a total mess with 2 and eventually 3 popes claiming supremacy at the same time.

Catherine was devoted (often to excess by our standards today), clearly spoken, illiterate, and demanding of her followers. Popes, kings, queens and ordinary people took her seriously. Is it any wonder that she is a Doctor of the Church? What a blessing!!!

[Katie Marquette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a difficult task to write a biography about a woman who lived over eight hundred years ago. It is even more difficult when that woman is a saint. Hagiographies and devotions cloud our vision and make it difficult to discern who Catherine di Benicasa really was. Brophy does an admirable job of being as accurate as possible, often critical of sources (particularly of Raymond of Capua, her confessor who wrote The Life of Catherine and secured her canonization). He still falls into reverential talk now and then, but it really helped me gain perspective as I struggled through my senior thesis focused on Catherine's asceticism.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated learning more about medieval Europe (notably Italy and France) via this book. The author really brings Catherine's world to life. Some of my favorite passages and points:

P 14: Lapa (Catherine's mother) had a hard time keeping track of Catherine. Someone gave her the name Euphrosyne, one of the Graces in Greek mythology -- the personification of joy.

P 85: There are certain spiritual themes that run through all of her correspondence. One of these is self-knowledge, which amounts to seeing ourselves as God sees us.

P 142: In her vision Jesus responded that sin is indeed blessed and transformed, quoting Gregory the Great, a famous pope of the early church, who called sin a “blessed fault.”

P 184: Catherine to Giovanni Tantucci in a letter: “This blood and fire, our redemption, are given to everyone. Nevertheless, not everyone shares in them -- not b/c anything is lacking in the blood or the fire or in the gentle First Truth who had given them to us, but b/c of what is lacking in those who do not empty their vessel in order to fill it with this blood. The vessel of the heart, as long as it is filled with selfish love...cannot be filled with divine love or share in the power of the blood.”

P 221: Catherine to Charles of Durazzo: “unless we have fought well within, we will fight poorly externally. This is why I said you must first combat your 3 chief enemies within” -- which she identified as the world and its empty honors, the flesh that tempts us with impurity, and demonic, ego-driven disrespect for others.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Catherine of Siena is the saint I chose for my Holy Confirmation in the Catholic Church so I enjoyed reading this biography. Mr. Brophy’s narrative provided a glimpse of the times in which she lived — the history, the practices of Christians in the 14th Century, and the controversy of two pontiffs at the same time.

[Matthew Palagyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong and beautiful declarations. A saint who won’t stop challenging you, because she won’t stop loving you. She’ll pick you up and carry you to your Cross and to your redeemer and grace you with her effervescent preaching that will surround you with the most tender but sturdy truths

[Alice Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the descriptions of Siena. The eating habits were so interesting.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. There were parts that seemed so impossible and other parts that were inspiring. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about the subject matter, but the writting was done very well. Some biographies are so boring because the auhor wasn't really interested in the person, or couldn't convey their interest in the person into their writting. In this book, I could tell that the author was interested in Catherine's life and he made it fun to read.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting bio of a fascinating person. Well written…describes the political turmoil of the time period very well. Places Catherine within the context of Italy in the late middle ages -- plague and death were everywhere, and religious beliefs and practices were very different than what modern readers are accustomed to. Amazing, really, what this uneducated woman was able to accomplish. Now I want to get to know her more intimately -- next on my reading list will be her Letters.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best biographies I have read of Catherine of Siena. I liked the way the author used many quotations from her original writings and from The Dialog. He did a very good job of placing this saint in a historical context which helped to understand why she chose certain actiivities.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More history about Cathrine's time, than explanation of her important writings, but a good background for studying her life and work.

[Cathy Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written exploration of Catherine and her place in Italy and the Church.

[Luann Yetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this biography. Don Brophy wrote about his subject with reverence but also with a clear, contemporary view point.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic view of life in France when Catherine lived. Taken from her letters and letters of others this provides a rich historical biography of a woman well worth exploring.

[Karen Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!! Interesting woman.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute giant. From an illiterate shut-in to a Doctor of the Church. Amazing, profoundly affecting book on one of the most amazing (imo) saints.